St Anne’s Care Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment in which children thrive.

They get to know each individual child's likes and dislikes. For example, staff know that some children enjoy craft activities. They provide a wealth of opportunities for children to explore and use materials to make things, such as milkshake pictures.

Staff gather a wide range of information from parents about their children when they first start to attend the club. This enables staff to ensure that children's care is carefully tailored to meet their individual needs. Some staff also work in the host school.

This means that younger children ...know them well and settle quickly. Children and staff develop close and trusting bonds. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure when attending the club.

Children become absorbed in the wide selection of activities provided. They make decisions about what they would like to play with. For example, children become fully engaged in playing in the role-play circus shop they have created.

Staff support children's play as they choose to make circus-themed pictures. They talk to children about what they are doing and make suggestions to enhance and extend their play further. Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour.

They work in partnership with children to establish club rules. All children are polite and considerate of each other and staff. Children of all ages behave incredibly well.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The small staff team work very closely together. They care deeply about the children and their families. Detailed policies and procedures underpin the smooth running of the club.

Robust induction procedures mean that all staff have a clear understanding of the expectations of their role. They share the individual strengths of their practice and learn from each other. This benefits children's experiences and contributes to the harmonious, fun atmosphere at the club.

Young children benefit from an effective key-person system. The key person collects children from their classroom at the end of the school day and ensures that any messages from teachers are shared with children's parents. In addition, staff have a good understanding of what children are currently learning in school.

For example, staff know that some children are developing their scissor skills. They sit with children and discuss the best way to hold and use scissors as they make things. Staff support children's learning well while attending the club.

Staff are highly effective role models. Older children follow the lead of staff and sensitively teach their younger friends new skills. For example, older children patiently teach their younger friends how to play chess.

Children who enjoy making crochet animals explain and guide their friends as they help them to use the wool and crochet hooks. Staff are always on hand to offer their praise and celebrate when children learn new skills. Children find this incredibly motivating.

This also contributes to children's high self-esteem.Children confidently chat to visitors to share details of what they like best about attending the club. They explain how they can select their own activities and like spending time with their friends.

Children remark that they find staff are 'warm and friendly'.Children follow good hygiene procedures and are supported to develop their understanding of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Staff provide a wide range of healthy snacks and ensure that children always have fresh drinking water available.

Children enjoy regular opportunities for outdoor play in the school grounds. They know that on a hot, sunny day it is important to apply suncream, wear a hat and take their drink outside. This contributes effectively to children's overall well-being.

Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents receive daily feedback at the end of each session about how their children have been, and any messages from teachers are shared. Parents appreciate the support and guidance staff offer them and their family.

They remark that they 'have our minds put at ease with the care given'.Staff say they feel valued and supported by leaders. They receive thorough induction training when they start employment.

This helps them to understand their role and responsibilities. Staff have regular supervision meetings with the manager. During these meetings, they have opportunities to talk about their well-being and professional development.

Staff complete mandatory training and further professional development opportunities are targeted to support them in enhancing their skills further.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

Also at this postcode